Titanium carbide (TiC)-coated graphite for refractory castable applications was prepared via reacting titanium metal powder (similar to 45 mu m) and natural graphite flakes (100-300 mu m) for 5 h at 950 degrees C in a KCl-based salt in Ar atmosphere. TiC coatings formed on graphite flakes were uniform, crack-free, and composed of nanosized particles (20-40 nm). The "template-growth" mechanism played a dominant role in the coating formation process.